Transit Committee – July 16, 2024

Recap of the Asheville Transit Committee Meeting – July 16, 2024

The Asheville Transit Committee, a group of citizen volunteers advising the City Council on transit matters, convened virtually on July 16, 2024, for their annual meeting. This recap summarizes the key discussions, decisions, and next steps emerging from the session, providing a clear overview for Asheville residents.

A significant portion of the meeting centered on discussions surrounding the future direction of Asheville’s transit system. While no formal vote was taken, a strong consensus began to form regarding a return to in-person meetings as soon as feasible. Committee members acknowledged the benefits of virtual meetings during recent circumstances, but expressed a desire to resume face-to-face interactions. Planning for an upcoming retreat is underway, using a Doodle poll to determine availability and hopefully reach a consensus on this matter. Additionally, the committee received correspondence from Jared Wheatley of the Multimodal Transportation Commission regarding Councilwoman Moses’ proposed $300,000 transit study. Wheatley raised concerns about the allocation of funds, suggesting that focusing on increasing density along transit corridors might yield more sustainable results. Committee members acknowledged these concerns and engaged in a discussion about the importance of aligning transit improvements with strategic development.

Beyond future planning, the committee received valuable updates on current operations and ongoing initiatives. Staff provided a positive ridership update – up 14% compared to the previous year – and highlighted ongoing safety initiatives and efforts to address staffing challenges, particularly within the maintenance department. Keith Sanders, General Manager of ART Transit, addressed concerns regarding issues with the Proterra bus fleet and reaffirmed ART’s commitment to providing safe and efficient service. The resumption of routes N1 and N2, previously affected by detours, was also noted as a positive development. Committee members shared their personal experiences with the transit system, bringing to light issues like inaccuracies in real-time tracking information on the app.

Community input played a vital role in the meeting, with committee members sharing their observations and concerns about the current system. Wheatley’s letter sparked a broader conversation about the need for increased density along transit corridors to ensure long-term sustainability. Committee member Joseph Chesler emphasized this crucial link, while Kara Wheeler highlighted the importance of a transit system that can adapt to changing ridership trends and provide reliable information.

Looking ahead, several key action items have been identified. Staff will continue refining the scope of work for the Comprehensive Operations Analysis (COA), aiming to share a finalized version with the committee in August. The COA will evaluate and improve transit services, providing recommendations for service enhancements. Committee members are encouraged to complete the Doodle poll regarding retreat dates. Finally, ART Transit staff will investigate and address issues with real-time tracking information on the transit app and continue their recruitment efforts to fill vacant mechanic positions.

This meeting demonstrated a commitment from the Transit Committee and ART Transit staff to continually improve Asheville’s public transportation system. The discussions around future planning, coupled with ongoing operational updates and community feedback, will contribute to a more responsive and sustainable transit network for Asheville residents.